<![CDATA[Barnside Veterinary Hospital - What\'s New]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 18:39:33 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[NJ Outbreaks of Leptospirosis-- Is For Dog At Risk?]]>Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:04:59 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/nj-outbreaks-of-leptospirosis-is-for-dog-at-riskWhether you're in the city, suburbs or semi-rural areas, if you've seen wildlife, your dog is at risk for Leptospirosis.  Recent outbreaks in New Jersey remind us about a pervasive, but often overlooked disease, lurking in New Jersey yards.

Lepto--What?

​LEPTOSPIROSIS ("lept-oh-spear-oh-sis")
WHAT HAPPENS
Leptospirosis is a disease that can cause kidney and liver failure.  It can infect both animals AND humans. It is caused by a spirochete (spy-row-keet) which is a type of bacteria.  The bacteria is usually found in the urine of many animals such as mice, opossums, raccoons, rabbits, deer, horses, sheep, goats, cows and others.  

Unfortunately most dogs do lick puddles or stagnant, muddy water which may be contaminated with urine from other pets or wildlife.  Even a "100% indoor dog" is at risk if you've had a mouse in your house.

People can acquire Leptospirosis by contact with an infected pet's body fluids.  People in professions where they are exposed to stagnant water or animal waste (farmers, sewer/drain pipe workers and those who work under porches/crawl-spaces) are at increased risk.  People engaged in water-related recreation (canoeing, white-water kayaking, surfing, swimming) in high-risk bodies of water or locations (ponds, second & third-world vacation destinations) are also at increased risk. ​​
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The symptoms are many, and can be vague, mild, or severe.  Fever, nausea, decreased appetite, increased thirst, jaundice, lethargy and sore joints are some symptoms in both animals and people.  Leptospirosis can cause kidney and liver disease, bleeding due to clotting disorders, and even meningitis in humans.  Leptospirosis can be fatal.
​DIAGNOSING
Diagnosis can be challenging because there are several phases to the disease.  If Leptospirosis is suspected, a high blood titre can provide good support for a diagnosis.  But a second blood test, done 2-4 weeks later, with a titre 4 times higher than the first, is needed to make a firm diagnosis.
TREATMENT
Fortunately, common antibiotics: penicillin and doxycycline are very good at treating Leptospirosis.  Most dogs are hospitalized on IV fluids and other supportive care.  Treatment is complicated because the dogs need to be kept in an Isolation Ward and strict protocols must be followed to prevent infection of other patients or the veterinary team.  And even once dogs are well enough to go home, until the course of treatment is complete, their urine can be infectious to family members.
​
Some dogs however, are much sicker.  If they develop acute kidney failure, then dialysis is recommended.  Dialysis can be very expensive, and needs to be performed at a specialty center.  But most dogs that require dialysis, and receive dialysis, survive.
PREVENTION
If your dog has received a DHLPP ("Distemper/Parvo") vaccine at Barnside Veterinary Hospital, then he has been vaccinated against Leptospirosis.  The vaccine we use helps protect against 4 of the 5 Leptospirosis serovars that infect dogs (L.canicola, L.grippotyphosa, L.icterohaemorrhagiae, and L.pomona.)

Many owners are erroneously advised to not vaccinate their dogs against Leptospirosis.  The older vaccines, (from more than 10 years ago) only protected against 2 subtypes of Leptospirosis and were more likely to cause allergic reactions.  The modern vaccines we administer have been microfiltered 5 times to remove excess protein, providing superior protection and safety. 

It is important that your dog is kept current on all her vaccinations. (Not sure if she is up-to-date?  Call us, or log-in to your pet's records at Petly Pet Portal.)
​---Meredith L. Weltner Sharin VMD
Click on the links below for more educational articles on Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis- AVMA
Leptospirosis- Veterinary Partner
Leptospirosis- Pet Health Network
Leptospirosis- CDC
]]><![CDATA[Rabies--- An Ever-Present Threat!]]>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:00:25 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/rabies-an-ever-present-threatRabies in a Puppy! At Least 25 People in GA & SC Exposed
Rabies is ALWAYS a concern: puppies, kittens, dogs, cats; indoor, outdoor; any mammal; anywhere.
Click here for the original article in South Carolina's newspaper: "The State".

Rabies Vaccination for your pet--FAQ's

​
WHY DO I NEED TO VACCINATE MY PET?
Rabies is fatal!  All mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies.  There are about 300 confirmed cases of Rabies in NJ every year!  There were almost 50 cases of Rabies in Monmouth and Ocean County last year.
BUT MY PET DOESN'T GO OUTSIDE!
Even if your animal isn't ever "allowed" outside, accidents and escapes happen.  Unfortunately, bats in the house, are way more common than anyone likes to think.  Rabid wild animals behave erratically and are known to burst through screens and attack people and pets.
​I DON'T BELIEVE IN VACCINES
Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right.  If you choose not to vaccinate your pet against other diseases, you're putting your pet's health at risk.  But if you don't vaccinate your pet against rabies, you're putting your pet, your family and the public at risk.
TOWNSHIP LICENSING
A town's responsibility is to protect the public.  When a town issues a license, it is essentially stating, "You the public, are safe from rabies, from this animal, for the duration of the licensing year."  It can be frustrating when your pet's rabies vaccine is good until August, but the town insists it be valid until December.  Remember, the town needs to protect "the public" and rabies is fatal.
ABOUT THE VACCINE
Currently in the US, Rabies vaccines for dogs and cats are: Imrab by Merial; Nobivac by Merck; Rabvac by Elanco; and Defensor by Zoetis.   Rabies vaccines can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian.  The rabies vaccine is good for 1 year for puppies, kittens or any adult dog or cat for which there is no documented proof of rabies vaccination.  The pet is NOT considered protected against rabies until 28 days after the vaccine was given.  For previously vaccinated dogs and cats, the rabies vaccine is considered medically protective for 3 years.  Again, the township's licensing laws to protect the public, supersede all. ​​
WILL YOU SIGN AN EXEMPTION FORM?
Short answer?  No.  The rabies vaccine is considered extremely safe and effective.  If your pet is currently undergoing chemotherapy, is currently having an episode of IMHA/IMTP or has some similar life-threatening illness, we can discuss the situation.  Pet's age, concerns about over-vaccination and personal beliefs are not acceptable reasons to avoid rabies vaccines.
​HOW ELSE CAN I PROTECT MY PET?
Keep your pet indoors or under your direct supervision.  Don't allow your pet to engage with wildlife.
Vaccinate!  Vaccinate!  Vaccinate!
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD
]]><![CDATA[Noise Phobias? Thunderstorms? Fireworks? We can help!]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2020 20:35:29 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/noise-phobias-thunderstorms-fireworks-we-can-help8973700SILEO---fast-acting oral gel without the sedation!
Your dog doesn't have to suffer anymore!
Dogs that are nervous or anxious because of noise sensitivities are likely to injure themselves or property because of distress.  Panicked dogs often escape. Very fearful dogs may even bite!
Picture
New Jersey is great fun in the summer---unless you're a dog with noise sensitivities.  Silo can be administered 30-60 minutes before noisy events start.  Sileo's effects last for 2-3 hours (enough time for most fireworks, thunderstorms and parades.)  No more sedated or "gorked" dogs stumbling around all day!

If an event is going to last longer than 2-3 hours, you can safely give your dog another dose of Sileo (anytime beyond 2hrs since the previous dose--up to 5 doses!)

Signs and Symptoms of Noise Phobias

Not sure if your dog has a noise sensitivity?  One out of every 4 dogs goes!

During loud noises or events, does your dog show any of these symptoms?

Don't let your dog suffer needlessly.  Ask the veterinarians at Barnside about Sileo.
]]><![CDATA[Girl Scout Daisies visit Barnside Veterinary Hospital]]>Thu, 20 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/girl-scout-daisies-visit-barnside-veterinary-hospital
A dozen Daisies (Girl Scouts in kindergarten and first grade) came for a tour of Barnside.  They were able to see how veterinarians care for animals.  They learned to give their pets the same kind of care that their parents show them.  The Associate Humane Society on Shafto Rd in Tinton Falls, was the beneficiary of their generosity, as the girls brought a whole box of toys and other gifts for the shelter pets.
]]><![CDATA[Dog Flu- What you need to know!]]>Sun, 15 Dec 2019 15:16:23 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/dog-flu-what-you-need-to-know
www.dogflu.com
Canine Flu Risk-Assessment Quiz
CANINE INFLUENZA
There have been several outbreaks of Canine Influenza (dog flu) in NJ over the past decade.  In Spring 2018 there was a large outbreak in Brooklyn.  The closure of the Monmouth County SPCA due to Canine Influenza has shown the disease is in our community.
WHAT HAPPENS
Canine influenza is a virus that is highly infectious and spreads quickly from dog to dog.
The virus can be transmitted:
  • Directly from dog to dog
  • From airborne transmission (one dog coughing or sneezing)
  • From contact with contaminated objects or
  • From people touching infected dogs and then touching other dogs.

There are two strains H3N8 which was first reported in 2003 and H3N2 which was first reported in 2015.  Neither of these strains have been shown to be contagious to people.

These are respiratory viruses, different from the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) and from the respiratory virus parainfluenza (part of the DHLPP vaccine).

1 out of 5 infected dogs will develop severe symptoms.  Infection with canine influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be fatal.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
  • The symptoms can be similar to many other respiratory diseases.
  • Coughing- dry hacking or productive coughing (wet saliva or yellow phlegm)
  • Nasal discharge- maybe clear, but often yellow or green mucous
  • Tired or lethargic
  • Poor appetite
Some dogs do not show any symptoms, but are still carriers and can pass the virus to other dogs.
DIAGNOSING
Diagnosis can be challenging because many respiratory infections have similar symptoms. Nasal and oral swabs are submitted, often along with blood samples.  The blood sample may be repeated 10 days later, depending on initial test results.
TREATMENT
​Treatment is aimed at supportive care and preventing further spread.  Hospitalization in an Isolation ward, IV fluids for hydration, antibiotics for secondary infections, and other medications as needed.
PREVENTION
Vaccinate your dogs against Canine Influenza Virus (CIV).  At Barnside Veterinary Hospital, we use a vaccine that protects against both strains H3N8 and H3N2.  Dogs receive an initial vaccine and then a booster approximately 3 weeks later.  We recommend annual boosters.
It is important that your dog is kept current on all her vaccinations.  Not sure if she's up-to-date?  Call us, or log-in to your pet's records at Petly Pet Portal.
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD
]]><![CDATA[Girl Scout Troop 243 visits Barnside]]>Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/girl-scout-troop-253-visits-barnside
5th graders from Troop 243 of St. Rose Elementary School came for a tour of Barnside Veterinary Hospital. During their visit, the girls learned about the importance of dental care for pets.
Hygiene and cleanliness are the cornerstones of good health. Brushing and bathing pets, laundering blankets and beds, and daily washing of food and water bowls are all simple ways owners can help keep their pets healthy.
]]><![CDATA[Barnside Veterinary Hospital- Won Best of the Best 2019!]]>Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:39:34 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/barnside-veterinary-hospital-won-best-of-the-best-2019Asbury Park Press- Best of the Best- Monmouth County 2019
Thank you to all our clients and patients-- YOU are the best!!!
]]><![CDATA[Howell Girl Scout Troop 915 Tours Barnside Veterinary Hospital]]>Tue, 05 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/howell-girl-scout-troop-915-tours-barnside-veterinary-hospital
Five fifth-grade Girl Scouts visited Barnside Veterinary Hospital.  They learned about using X-rays to diagnoses fractures and the many random objects pets occasionally inappropriately eat.  Dental care for pets (and people) was emphasized.  They also discovered that the math skills they were learning (fractions and decimals) were important to know if you needed to treat every animal from gerbils to goats to Great Danes!
]]><![CDATA[Noise Phobias? Thunderstorms? Fireworks? We can help!]]>Fri, 28 Jun 2019 16:43:10 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/noise-phobias-thunderstorms-fireworks-we-can-helpSILEO---fast-acting oral gel without the sedation!
Your dog doesn't have to suffer anymore!
Dogs that are nervous or anxious because of noise sensitivities are likely to injure themselves or property because of distress.  Panicked dogs often escape. Very fearful dogs may even bite!
Picture
New Jersey is great fun in the summer---unless you're a dog with noise sensitivities.  Silo can be administered 30-60 minutes before noisy events start.  Sileo's effects last for 2-3 hours (enough time for most fireworks, thunderstorms and parades.)  No more sedated or "gorked" dogs stumbling around all day!

If an event is going to last longer than 2-3 hours, you can safely give your dog another dose of Sileo (anytime beyond 2hrs since the previous dose--up to 5 doses!)
Signs and Symptoms of Noise Phobias
Not sure if your dog has a noise sensitivity?  One out of every 4 dogs goes!

During loud noises or events, does your dog show any of these symptoms?

Don't let your dog suffer needlessly.  Ask the veterinarians at Barnside about Sileo.
]]><![CDATA[Can you Toucan?  Dr. McKinley can!]]>Sat, 15 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.barnsidevethospital.com/whats-new/can-you-toucan-dr-mckinley-can
Dr. James McKinley DABVP-Avian,
Barnside Veterinary Hospital's Board-Certified Avian specialist, has more than 30 year's experience treating virtually any bird problem and any bird species.
Dr. McKinley sees appointments:
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
and is available for emergencies.
Call today!
​732-919-7373
]]>